Apple Shakes Up AI Leadership with New VP Amar Subramanya

Apple has appointed a new leader for its artificial intelligence division. Veteran researcher Amar Subramanya is now the company’s vice president of AI. He replaces longtime executive John Giannandrea. The change was announced by Apple on Monday.

Subramanya will report directly to software chief Craig Federighi. His role will be crucial for Apple’s future AI features. According to Reuters, Giannandrea will stay on as an advisor until his retirement next year.

From Microsoft to Apple: A Veteran AI Leader Takes the Helm

Amar Subramanya joins Apple with a deep background in the field. He most recently served as corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft. Before his time at Microsoft, he spent 16 years at Google.

At Google, he led engineering for the Gemini AI assistant. Apple stated his expertise will be key for future innovation. He will oversee areas like Apple Foundation Models and AI safety.

CEO Tim Cook welcomed Subramanya to the leadership team. Cook emphasized that AI remains central to Apple’s strategy. The company is working on a more personalized Siri for release next year.

John Giannandrea’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

John Giannandrea is departing his daily leadership role. He originally joined Apple from Google in 2018. His task was to strengthen Siri and guide Apple’s broader AI efforts.

Under his watch, Apple built a world-class AI and machine learning team. The team’s work includes core technologies like AI infrastructure and research. His planned retirement is set for the spring of 2026.

This leadership shift signals Apple’s intense focus on generative AI. The company is investing heavily to compete with rivals like Google and Microsoft. Subramanya’s product integration experience will be vital for bringing new AI features to Apple users worldwide.

This executive change marks a significant moment for Apple’s AI ambitions. The appointment of Amar Subramanya aims to accelerate the company’s innovation in a critical technological race.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Amar Subramanya?

Amar Subramanya is a veteran AI researcher. He just joined Apple as Vice President of AI from Microsoft. He previously worked at Google for 16 years.

Who did Amar Subramanya replace at Apple?

He replaced John Giannandrea, Apple’s former head of AI. Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018 after leading AI at Google. He will retire in spring 2026.

What will Subramanya’s responsibilities be?

He will lead Apple’s AI division, reporting to Craig Federighi. His focus areas include Apple Foundation Models and machine learning research. He will also oversee AI safety and evaluation.

Why is this appointment important for Apple?

AI is a key battleground for tech companies. This move brings in a leader with deep product integration experience. It aims to speed up Apple’s development of competitive AI features for its devices.

What is Apple’s main AI project right now?

Apple is working on a major update to Siri. The goal is to make the voice assistant more personalized and capable. This project is a central part of the company’s AI strategy.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Apple Inc. official announcement.